PSH Medical Abbreviation: What It Means and Why It Matters

What Does PSH Stand For in Medical Terms?

PSH stands for Past Surgical History. It’s a common medical abbreviation used by doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers when taking or reviewing a patient’s history. PSH refers to any surgeries a patient has had in the past, whether recent or from years ago.

Why Is PSH Important?

Past surgeries can affect current health in many ways. A clear PSH helps healthcare providers understand how previous operations might relate to present symptoms or risks.

For example:

• Scar tissue from earlier surgeries could affect new procedures.
• A history of heart surgery may change how medications are prescribed.
• Surgeries for cancer may signal the need for continued monitoring.

Knowing your PSH also helps avoid unnecessary tests or repeated procedures. 

According to a chapter in Physical Examination for Surgeons, a thorough assessment of a patient's surgical history is crucial for establishing differential diagnoses and guiding further therapy and management.

What Is Included in PSH?

A detailed PSH often lists:

• Type of surgery
• Date or year it occurred
• Where it was performed (hospital or clinic)
• Any complications
• Results or follow-up needed

This information can be gathered from medical records or by asking the patient directly. If someone doesn’t remember exact details, even general information is helpful.

PSH vs Other Medical Abbreviations

In medical notes, abbreviations like PSH are used to summarize patient history quickly. Here’s how it compares to related terms:

• PMH - Past Medical History: Includes chronic illnesses, hospitalizations, or previous diagnoses.
• HPI - History of Present Illness: Focuses on the current complaint or reason for the visit.
• FH - Family History: Health conditions that run in the patient’s family.
• SH - Social History: Lifestyle factors such as alcohol use, smoking, or occupation.

PSH is specific to surgical procedures, while the others cover different parts of a patient's background.

When Do Doctors Use PSH?

Doctors use PSH during:

• First-time visits or consultations
• Pre-surgical evaluations
• Emergency care
• Specialist referrals

It helps them plan treatment with the full picture in mind.